Johnson faces goalkeeping dilemma for opener
With just three days to go to the big kick-off, Johnson is still undecided as to who will play in goal at Bloomfield Road.
Adriano Basso, the first-choice during the past two seasons, was expected to take the goalkeeper's jersey when the serious business began. But the Brazilian has endured a troubled pre-season, missing several friendlies through injury, and is short of full fitness.
Chris Weale, who recently signed a new one-year deal, has excelled in Basso's absence and is pushing for a place in the starting line-up on Saturday. And Johnson admits he is still in two minds.
“It's a big decision for me,” conceded the manager. “Basso has had one or two problems in pre-season and is not as fit as he would like to be, and Chris Weale has come in and played really well.
“Chris had a fantastic game against Cheltenham last week and he's a good goalkeeper. It's all about competition and it's good to have two such capable keepers competing for a first-team place. There really is nothing between them and it will be circumstances that will determine the goalkeeper for the Blackpool game.
“Basso is one of those players who needs to be spot on to feel 100 per cent. He doesn't want to let anyone down. If he doesn't feel he's fit enough, I'll have no hesitation putting Weale in goal.”
Weale deputised for the injured Basso at Blackpool last August and produced a man-of-the-match performance to earn City a draw.
“He was outstanding that day and he'll be used to playing at Blackpool,” added Johnson.
Although Johnson is still looking to make one or two further additions to his squad, there are unlikely to be any new arrivals ahead of the first game.
He confirmed: “We're pleased with what we have and we'll go with what we've got for Saturday.
“I'm still looking and there could be another one or two to come in. But that's not going to happen this week.
“I don't want to upset the equillibrium of the team by bringing in too many new faces, because this group of lads have worked hard to earn their places in the side.
“These are the players who came within one game and one goal of winning promotion to the Premier League and we need to remember that.
“A few dropped out of the squad at the end of last season and I've brought a couple in who I think will enhance our squad.”
New signing Gavin Williams is expected to make his Championship debut for City at Bloomfield Road after recovering from the ankle injury which delayed his pre-season.
Johnson said: “Gavin isn't quite as fit as I would like him to be, but he's getting there. He's a very important player for us and I'm sure he's going to play a big part in our season.”
But midfielder Marvin Elliott is still struggling to shake off the effects of a knee injury and Cole Skuse is expected to take his place on Saturday.
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